Saturday, March 18, 2017

Fire brigade season opener

Sunday saw the first competition for the fire brigade competition season. This time, only my “C” team were competing, our “A” side were missing several due to illness and other commitments.

As usual, first up for me was the ladder race. Managed 2 solid climbs (heat and final), with a final time of 8.11 seconds. Following the ladder race was the hose and ladder 5s. This event, with its long sprint to the ladder is the main reason I took up athletics, so it’s always a good indicator of progress. Despite slowing down earlier than I needed to, we got a time of 23.99, a time that I would have struggled to physically get to the top of the ladder in, 2 years ago. In addition, it turned out I was lifting water by the time I got to the top, but didn’t notice, so my overall fitness is far better too. Track training is really paying off here! Anyway, our time gave us second place, as one of the other sides put in a really good run.

Following the ladder 5s were the marshalls, the dry events involving hose work. Due to injury of other team members, I was substituted into the 4 man Y and 2 man marshall at the last minute. Ended up running 5th in the 4 Y, much to our surprise. :)

After lunch, the C section 4s were next, which we won. I had a good run in pole, so looks like my hamstring is back to 100%. Following the 4s was the hose and reel 6s. Had another good run in the pole, but some issues in the middle of the run cost us a few seconds. However, we still got 5th place. After the sixes, I was rested for the champion 4s, to give a new guy, who has just come up from junior ranks more experience in the pole at his first comp. They finished 4th in a time similar to our C section 4s, so he also had a good run.

Final event was the Y8. With the new guy also very capable in the pole, my role has changed. I now start on the back of the cart, put the first coupling onto the hydrant, then pick up the Y (left on the ground further down the track) and pass it to the third coupler while on the way to the base of the ladder. For me, a much easier run which gives me more energy for the climb. Anyway, although the time wasn’t our best, we ran second in the Y8, which was enough to give us the C section aggregate.

At the end of the day, we had a win and several placings, won the C section aggregate, second in the wet events aggregate and 4th in the grand aggregate. Nice way to start a season! :)